On February 4, 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump proposed a plan for Gaza that includes relocating its population, either temporarily or permanently. While it’s unlikely that this plan will be fully or partially implemented, it is the first time someone states loud and clear, that the “Palestinian cause” is deeply infected by radical jihadism. This is the first time someone has pointed directly at the elephant in the room: this is not merely a political conflict between two nations over land, nor a conflict about freedom and occupation, but a religious war—an Islamic jihad against all others. Because of this, it’s not just Israel’s problem; it impacts the whole region, including Egypt, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia. These countries also fear the threat of jihad, so instead of using Israel to score political points,, they should work together to tackle the issue.
The time for unconditionally supporting Palestinians while also opposing jihad is over. Jordan, Egypt, and others must pick a side and clearly state that too many Palestinians today are influenced by jihad and need to be deradicalized for the sake of their own future and a better Middle East.
As for the international community, it must decide how to respond to Hamas breaking international laws. Will it punish the aggressor, or will it focus on blaming Israel for defending itself? Failing to hold the attacker accountable will only weaken international law, leading to chaos and more wars. If Trump’s plan succeeds, it could restore order, like a sheriff stopping a villain.
However, if the plan fails—if it bursts like a hot air balloon—especially along with Trump’s other big diplomatic efforts, like ending the Russia-Ukraine war, the U.S. will look weak, and its president will seem more like a clown than a leader of Western democracies. This could seriously weaken trust in the U.S.’s ability to lead the democratic world, causing frustration and making each country in the democratic camp focus only on its own interests, ultimately harming their unity and strength.
Even if the plan moves forward, there is a serious risk that it could backfire, spreading jihadist influence in other Muslim countries. History has many examples of good intentions leading to disaster—like Gorbachev’s “Glasnost” and “Perestroika,” which unintentionally pushed Russia into turmoil.
Let’s hope that, in the end, the plan leads to something positive: the defeat of jihadist forces and the restoration of peace and stability in the Middle East and beyond.